Letter: Judy Krasnow deserves credit for development of prison museum

The Cit Pat's editorial lauding the Ella Sharpe Museum’s plans to create a prison museum conveniently overlooked the fact that the current interest in Jackson’s prison history largely came about as a result of Judy Krasnow’s efforts.

Her highly successful tours of Seven Block that began over three years ago brought thousands of people to Jackson annually.

Judy researched her subject well, and presented the facts skillfully in an entertaining manner.

I can attest to that, as my husband and I both worked in that cell block in the 70’s, when it was the Reception and Guidance Center, and Judy has had access to much material we retained from those days.

It was her interest that prompted me to publish my book recently, which is about those years I worked in Seven Block as a psychologist.

As we came to know Judy, we realized all the work she had put into making the tours a success, so were very shocked when her contract with the Department of Corrections was not renewed for this year.

The underhanded way the plans to turn Seven Block over to the Ella Sharpe Museum were handled, without warning to Judy and without allowing her any input, were very hurtful to her both financially and personally.

You briefly mention her current tours of the old prison, but avoid the full story. Those of us who care about this remarkable person who contributed so much to our community consider this insufficient, and we remain angry.